Aluminum Tooling

IMPM has focused its attention recently on improving our aluminum tooling processes. This has allowed us to easily transform ourselves to meet our customer’s needs. To further prove our customer’s design, IMPM will manufacture prototype tools from aluminum and not just silicone. These tools typically produce anywhere from one hundred parts to tens of thousands, giving customers more data to validate the final design and prepare for high-volume production. A properly planned and executed aluminum tooling program will result in faster tool construction and overall reduced tooling costs. In addition to aluminum tooling, IMPM also offers P20 steel tooling for production quantities that are much higher. With 3 CNC machines, multiple lathes, an EDM machine, grinders, drill presses, and standardized mold bases at our use, we are able to fabricate and turnaround aluminum molds much quicker than steel production molds. The old saying goes that time is money, and this tooling process is the best way to drastically cut on the time it takes for your project to go from design to having production parts in hand.

Aluminum Tooling

Benefits of Aluminum Tooling

Easier to cut than steel, which allows faster machining and shorter lead times

Cools faster than steel, reducing cycle times

Can be polished more rapidly

Aluminum is lighter than steel, allowing it to be machined on smaller equipment

Aluminum dissipates heat at a very even rate, which allows for great dimensional stability due to less distortion

Can yield quantities high enough to meet any bridge production needs

Benefits of P20 Steel Tooling

P20 is a harder, stronger and more abrasion-resistant material, allowing a longer shot life